This information has been prepared to assist those applying to the City for rezoning of property. The following steps illustrate the rezoning procedure. It is suggested that you confer with the City’s Planning staff for advice before you begin the rezoning process. The City’s Planning staff can be reached from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, at the Planning Office or by calling (248) 871-2540.

Step 1

The first step is to submit a completed application to the Planning Office. The application must be accompanied by a map (plot plan) of the property to be rezoned; a legal description; an approved copy of the sign location plot plan (see Guidelines for Rezoning Signs); and the application fee. The legal description may be obtained at the Assessing Division. To facilitate the rezoning request, the application must be submitted by 3:30 PM on the 18th day of the month. If the 18th day of the month falls on a weekend, the application must be submitted by 12:00 noon the following workday. The applicant will be notified, by mail, of all hearing dates.

Time Frame

The time frame from Step 1 to Step 2 is a maximum of four (4) weeks, if the application is submitted on the 18th day of the month.

Step 2

The Planning Commission at a Preliminary Hearing considers the application. This hearing is generally held on the second Thursday of the month. At this hearing, the applicant will have an opportunity to present the rezoning request. At the Preliminary Hearing, the Planning Commission schedules the rezoning request for a Public Hearing. The Public Hearing is generally held on the third Thursday of the following month. Notice of Public Hearing will be sent by mail to all property owners within 300 feet of the property under consideration for rezoning and will be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City. In addition, the applicant will be required to install a sign indicating “ZONING CHANGE PROPOSED” on the subject property fifteen (15) days prior to the Public Hearing.

(NOTE: If the applicant wishes to withdraw the request on or before the Preliminary Hearing, a portion of the fee will be refunded. After the Preliminary Hearing, the entire fee will be forfeited).

Time Frame

The time frame from Step 2 to Step 3 is generally a maximum of five (5) weeks.

Step 3

The Planning Commission considers the applicant’s proposal, public representations and a review from City staff. After reviewing all available information, the Planning Commission submits a recommendation to the City Council to approve, modify or deny the rezoning request.

The request is then scheduled for a Public Hearing before the City Council. The City Council hearing is generally held on the third Monday of the following month.

Time Frame

The time frame from Step 3 to Step 4 is generally a maximum of six (6) weeks.

Step 4

The City Council considers the applicant’s proposal, public representations, Planning Commission recommendations, together with City staff review. The City Council will approve, modify, or deny the request. If approved or modified, the zoning request is formally introduced and referred to the following City Council meeting for enactment. If denied, no further action is taken.

Time Frame

The time frame from Step 4 to Step 5 is generally a maximum of one (1) week.

Step 5

At the regular City Council meeting, the zoning request may be adopted. The rezoning legally takes effect twenty-one (21) days after its adoption.

(NOTE: Adoption may not take place if the City Council receives information that warrants further study.)

Should you have any questions not addressed here, please feel free to contact the City's Planning Office staff for further assistance at (248) 871-2540.